OUR experts give you an early shot at finding a winner as they look at the major races around the nation this weekend.
Last week ... Three winners. Sky Racing’s Brad Davidson claimed bragging rights after his value bet Who Shot Thebarman ($18) won the Sydney Cup. John Davis got the day off to a good start with his value tip Futooh ($8.90) winning the opener at Randwick, while Darren Prendergast was on the money with Pure Elation ($4.20).
SATURDAY (AEST times)
DOOMBEN (9 races, start 11.32am),
ROYAL RANDWICK (9 races, 12pm),
CAULFIELD (9 races, 12.15pm),
MORPHETTVILLE (8 races, 1.01pm),
ASCOT (9 races, 1.48pm)
ROYAL RANDWICK
RAY THOMAS (Daily Telegragh) Form: 21165
OSBORNE BULLS (Race 9, No. 7 — TAB $2.30)
The Godolphin sprinter has won the final race twice as favourite this preparation and is the popular pick again for the Randwick closer. He is set to improve his already impressive record of six wins (two placings) from eight starts.
Value bet: NEWTOWN IS COMING (Race 1, No. 8 — $18)
MATT JONES (Daily Telegragh) Form: 23168
BURNING PASSION (Race 3, No. 3 — $5)
He ticks all the boxes heading into this race. Loves Randwick and is in fine form.
Value bet: MONTAUK (Race 8, No. 8 — $18)
STEPHEN ZAMMIT (Daily Telegragh) Form: 21175
OSBORNE BULLS (Race 9, No. 7 — $2.30)
Comes from the James Cummings stable and has been most consistent since resuming from a spell. Last start came home hard for impressive win at Rosehill. Can do it again here.
Value bet: INTERLOCUTER (Race 8, No. 6 — $6.50)
JOHN DAVIS (Daily Telegragh) Form: 4141s
OUTRAGEOUS (Race 6, No. 3 — $6)
Was a certainty beat in the Inglis Sires’ a fortnight ago, when baulked up the rise and then again in the drive to the wire. Switch to the mile seems an obvious one. Hard to beat.
Value bet: MAURUS (Race 8, No. 7 — $10)
BRAD DAVIDSON (Sky Racing) Form: 91x23
OUTRAGEOUS (Race 6, No. 3 — $6)
Value bet: MANICURE (Race 5, No. 5 — $6)
SHAYNE O’CASS (Sportsman). Form: 23395
DYSLEXIC (Race 5, No. 12 — $10)
The rise to 1400m will suit and from her barrier jockey Brenton Avdulla has the option of being a fair bit closer than 12 of 16 in the P J Bell turning for home last start.
Value bet: BLACK ON GOLD (Race 9, No. 8 — $13)
DARREN PRENDERGAST (SuperRacing). Form: 21881
TRAPEZE ARTIST (Race 7, No. 10 — $2.25)
Unleashed a powerful sprint to mow down Redzel in the TJ Smith Stakes. Can’t fault that form.
Value bet: LONG LEAF (Race 6, No. 2 — $8)
NICK QUINN (TAB). Form: 11142
TRAPEZE ARTIST (Race 7, No. 10 — $2.25)
Well backed late and was simply stunning winning the TJ Smith Stakes last start. Steps up to 1400 metres, a trip where he won the Group 1 Golden Rose and should again be too good.
Value bet: THEANSWERMYFRIEND (Caulfield, Race 9, No. 7 — $4.80)
MARKETS: TAB FIXED ODDS
CAULFIELD
MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun). Form: 2560x
LAND OF PLENTY (Race 9, No. 13 — $3.30)
Toyed with his rivals to win at Bendigo last start at his second run for Darren Weir. Stays on the minimum weight and he’s going to again get a great run off the speed.
Value bet: MY TRUE LOVE (Race 1, No. 3 — $5)
CHRIS VERNUCCIO (SuperRacing). Form: 1146s
FRENCH EMOTION (Race 1, No. 1 — $2)
She was held up last start, if she stays out of trouble will be hard to hold out.
Value bet: LAND OF PLENTY (Race 9, No. 13 — $3.30)
SIMON MOY (SuperRacing). Form: 42888
KIWIA (Race 4, No. 3 — $2.20)
Should be reaching peak fitness and does have exceptional record here with two wins at distance. Will probably need a run at some stage from inside gate but a top chance.
Value bet: SPRIGHTLY LASS (Race 7, No. 11 — $4.60)
MARKETS: TAB FIXED ODDS
DOOMBEN
NATHAN EXELBY (The Courier-Mail). Form: 31412
WHYPEEO (Race 6, No. 2 — $1.90)
He has a near unblemished record over the short courses and has trialled brilliantly in readiness for his return. Drawn to get every chance, regardless of what his rivals want to do.
Value bet: MY DIAMANTINE (Race 1, No. 3 — $11)
MARKETS: TAB FIXED ODDS
MORPHETTVILLE
BEN SCADDEN (The Advertiser) Form: 12209
SPLIT LIP (Race 8, No. 14 — $5)
Hit the line strongly when third last time at first run in five months. She’ll be better for that outing and has good record this track and trip. Racing out of her age group but has some class. Expect her to be getting home hard again.
Value bet: TARCOOLA SPIRIT (Race 5, No. 8 — $14)
LINCOLN MOORE (The Advertiser) Form: 1x246
VIDDORA (Race 6, No. 7 — $2.40)
Star SA sprint resuming. Took her racing to the next level last campaign and looks ideally suited in a race with solid speed up front. $2.40 looks pretty enticing for a horse of her quality who is sure to wound up for this.
Value bet: BELLE DU NORD (Race 7, No. 4 — $21)
MARKETS: TAB FIXED ODDS
*Note: TAB Fixed Odds prices correct at time of publishing